In Memory of Comstock’s Proudest MinerMarch 12, 1951 - June 19, 2015

Randy Harris

Health & Safety Manager

Randy Harris lived off the Comstock for many years, but he always considered this his “home,” the place where it all started. It was 1960 when Randy moved to Silver City with his grandparents, Jerry and Elaine Harwood. Randy’s grandparents bought the Savage Mansion in Virginia City and from the time he was in grade school and throughout his high school years he would always help with restorations after school and on the weekends. Randy always proudly adored the mansion, knowing his special role in preserving such a significant piece of Comstock history.

After graduating from high school Randy received a scholarship to Denver Automotive and Technology Institute and moved to Colorado. He stayed in Denver for just a little over eighteen months before he returned to Silver City and married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Williamson. Marge and Randy were happily married for 43 years.

After returning to Nevada, Randy worked odd jobs until signing on at the Storey County Sheriff’s Office, working with Bob DeCarlo for nearly seven years. He also served on the Storey County Fire Department where he received his Emergency Management Training (EMT). This introduced Randy to what would quickly become his life’s passion, protecting others through health and safety.

Randy said he had been around mining most of his life, but became an actual miner after taking a job in maintenance with Houston Oil & Minerals on Gold Hill. He soon began operating heavy equipment and finally landed the lead safety and security position that would develop into his long-term career. Randy was then transferred to Manhattan, Nevada with Tenneco Minerals. He served as the safety supervisor for Smokey Valley Common Mine (that later became Round Mountain Gold Company) and lived in central Nevada for nearly 20 years. He next became a mining regulator as a district safety inspector for Nevada Safety and Mine Training.

In 2008, Randy joined Golden Predator Mine near Lovelock as their Safety and Security Director before becoming the underground safety supervisor for the Turquoise Ridge Mine near Winnemucca. It seemed ironic that mining would take him away from the Comstock for the rest of his career, that is, until he received a call from Comstock Mining. Randy was the Director of Health and Safety for Comstock before his untimely passing on June 19, 2015 after a short illness. Under his governance, the Company won the 2013 Safety Award from the Nevada Mining Association.

“Randy was the most selfless person I have ever met. He cared about others first and most and would do anything for anyone, individuals, teams, companies and communities. His leadership was always by example, strong, honest, kind, wise, careful, and smiling. It’s the saddest days for our whole community. God blessed every person who ever met Randy Harris.”- expressed Comstock Mining CEO Corrado De Gasperis.

Scott Jolcover

Director of Business Development

I’m Scott. I guess you can say I am the longest running employee with Comstock Mining, having worked here since 2005, and working for its predecessor companies, including Plum Mining Inc. since 1996 I also had the honor of serving on Comstock Mining’s Board of Directors from 2008 until 2010, when I stepped down as a director and took a formal employee role in the day-to-day business of the company. I have personally witnessed, experienced and participated in the transformation of Comstock Mining from a conventional junior mining company to a company that has truly emerged as a leader in sustained, responsible mining, while preserving the history and culture of a territory that I’m honored, humbled to be part of.

I’ve been mining for nearly 35 years and actually got started in the industry, by chance, although somehow I truly believe it was always in my blood. My grandfather (father’s father), immigrated to the U.S. from Russia and formally studied metallurgy, even though my own knowledge of mining has come from hands on, on the job experience and training, and in many ways, form that school of “Hard Knocks.”

I received an associate’s degree in automotive technology but I later changed my focus to real estate. I went on to obtain my Nevada real estate license, along with various state and federal insurance and real estate licenses. My education and background in real estate and development ultimately led to my current position as Director of Business Development for Comstock Mining.

My primary role with the Company is managing major commercial transactions, including all land, water and major purchases and acquisitions. We work as one system, so I am part of the senior management team that is constantly planning, doing, checking with each other and acting in the best interest of the company. Stability and predictability are critical tenets of our Company, so, sometimes, when things get bumpy or disturbed, I am called upon to level them out a little. I am very active in the community, both personally and professionally, including as a co-owner / creator of the Comstock Gold Mill Tour in Virginia City, my current role as Chairman of the Virginia City Tourism Commission and often, as an interface with county officials and county staff.

The best part of my job is dealing with so many different and interesting people. Whether it’s the many Comstock residents, tourists, politicians, regulators and government employees, investors, company staff or mining vendors, I truly enjoy the positive interactions.

I am married to my lovely wife, Lorna, and I have two grown children, my son Aaron, who is a graduate of UNR and my daughter, Brittany, who is currently attending college in Florida. I love Virginia City and enjoy playing golf, attending all types of concerts, comedy clubs, and as good Nevada weather allows, riding my Harley Davidson. I used to have my pilots license and loved flying small planes (not counting the fighter jet I flew over Ely and the barrel roll I did at 19,000 feet), but sadly that was many years ago. I do still, however, play the occasional round of golf.

Jason Reed

Light Vehicle Mechanic

Hi, I’m Jason; I grew up on this mountain and I am a lifelong Comstocker. I’ve never taken the history of the Comstock for granted. Mining and mining history were ingrained into me from my early years and, together with the friends I have made, is what I truly love about living here. I learned my trade here and I’ve been in mining since I was 20 years old. I learned the trade from a number of old timers that taught me everything from running a jack leg to blasting to square set timbering. I feel like I learned from the best on the Comstock. Being a “hands-on” and “in-the-dirt” kind of guy, coupled with the love of local history, mining came natural to me.

I currently work in the capacity of light vehicle mechanic for Comstock Mining. My favorite part of my job is the people and working in the area that I grew up in. I am happy to have the opportunity to work locally, be so close to friends and family, and work for an outstanding company like Comstock Mining.

I live in Gold Hill, but I am currently working on my dream house, a historic little house that was moved out to my property just above American Flat. The little house was one of the four that were moved from a location next to the courthouse last year. I am excited about finishing my new home and feel privileged to live and work in such a unique place.

My hobbies include mechanics, history, hiking, and just enjoying the great Nevada lands in general. On my time off, lately, I have been working on my new house on the side of the hill or just doing all the other things I enjoy.